Taste of Home, Getty Images
Taste of Home, Getty Images
Check your pantry for shelf-stable Horizon Organic milk—the carton could have a dangerous packaging defect.
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No one ever cried over spilled milk, but spoiled milk is a different story. If you buy shelf-stable milk for school lunches or after-school snacks, check the labels. Horizon Organic Dairy 8-ounce whole milk cartons have been recalled due to faulty packaging, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The 8-ounce packs are sold individually and as 12-packs. The recalled cases were distributed in Arizona, California and Nevada.
The initial recall date was December 13, 2024. But as of January 17, the FDA is labeling it a Class II recall. That means it’s “a situation in which use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.”
What caused the recall?
The cartons of milk are in aseptic packaging, which makes the product shelf-stable. But certain packages were found to be faulty. That could lead to the milk spoiling on the shelf before you open it or before its “best by/before” date.
How do I know if I have recalled milk?
The recalled milk was distributed by Horizon Organic Dairy and distributed to various retailers in Arizona, California and Nevada. To be extra sure that you’re consuming safe milk, check the labels if you keep shelf-stable milk in the pantry or fridge:
- Horizon Organic Aseptic Plain Whole Milk 8-ounce 12-pack and individual units with “best by/before” dates of March 3 and 4, 2025 and March 6 and 7, 2025
- UPC number: 3663207113 (for the 12-packs) and 3663207127 (for the individual units)
What should I do next?
Neither Horizon Organic Dairy nor the FDA have posted instructions on what to do with the recalled milk. Typically, stores have policies in place that allow you to bring back recalled items for a refund. Call the store you bought the milk from, or check the store’s website for how to proceed. Otherwise, throw away all the recalled milk cartons, whether they’re in your fridge or pantry.
If you and the kids do milk and cookie flights after school, opt for new shelf-stable milk cartons or just buy the whole gallon jug this week. If you’re afraid you’ll waste a gallon, there are plenty of ways to use up a jug of milk.
